Events INSIDER: Jan 26 – Feb 3, 2015

01/26/15 by

This week, the week of Jan 26-30, I’m hospitalized for GI distress and undergoing an operation. Please send me upbeat stories about events you’ve discovered on Events INSIDER, e-cards, well wishes to johnny@eventsinsider.com.

Johnnys Picks
MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)
The school that never sleeps, MIT, holds a month of creative classes, lectures, and special events. Almost all of these are just for the MIT community or fully registered by now (I checked), but click through to see if anything is available that might catch your fancy! MIT IAP (Independent Activities Period)MIT Cambridge, MA, –.
International Folk Dancing for Everyone
MIT has a folk dancing club. You read that right. The smartest people in the country also have coordination, AND dancing talent. Meanwhile I still trip myself up on the Eyyyy Marcarina! part of the…well you know the song. Yeesh, some people have all the luck. International Folk Dancing for EveryoneStratton Student Center, Building W20 Cambridge, MA, –.
Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Parade and Awards
Dame Helen Mirren is the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year! Get in your lorry and sojourn to Harvard Square at 2:30pm to fancy over her as she leads the famous parade around 2:30pm. The Tasty Pudding is a…weird Boston tradition, but its always a great time and the highlights almost always go viral. Side note: How does one get the title dame? Im stuck with Hey get off my lawn. Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Parade and AwardsFarkas Hall Cambridge, MA, .
Harvard Model United Nations
The model UN is a serious attempt to discuss politics as though meeting at the United Nations in New York. These students really take it seriously. And Im not really sure if you can just stroll in as a member of the public and check it out., but I would think so and these kind of organizations love casual onlookers. Harvard Model United NationsSheraton Boston Hotel Boston, MA, –.
Some Like It Hot Chili Cook-Off
Theres a chili cook off at Harvard Square mentioned the day before the Superbowl. Its an outdoor chili competition. Details are few, but its free and presumably you get to eat chili. And theyll have live music. Some Like It Hot Chili Cook-OffBrattle Plaza Cambridge, MA, .
Fire & Ice Bonfire in Fay Park
Think youre a master-level snowman (or woman, or dog, or mustang) builder? Head to Littleton, MA for a snow sculpture competition, with prizes for best snow man *and* best snow sculpture – this conest is running until March, so plan ahead. Fire & Ice Bonfire in Fay ParkFay Park Littleton, MA, .
Lincoln Winter Carnival
Horseback riding, snowshoe tours, snow sculpture contests, and indoor events dot this town-wide festival just one town west of the Rt 128 beltway. Lincoln Winter Carnival Lincoln, MA, –.
Full Moon Owl Prowl
Love owls? Wish you knew a little bit more about them? Join the Owl Prowl to find out things like their owl calls, behavior and habitat. Full Moon Owl ProwlMass Audubons Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary Natick, MA, .
Newburyport Winter Carnival
Dont worry, theres no mall involved. They just got a little confused naming the local park. This festival has got horse-drawn hayrides, skating on the pond, sledding, and a human dog sled race. Newburyport Winter Carnival Newburyport, MA, .
Moonlight Night Hike and Owl Prowl
Walk a trail finding all kinds of animal tracks, on your way to a campsite to build a fire, make coco and play winter games! Moonlight Night Hike and Owl ProwlDoyle Community Park & Center Leominster, MA, .
Newport Winter Carnival
Newport Winter Carnival. Newport Winter Carnival Newport, RI, –.
Full Moon Trek & Bonfire
Enjoy an adults-only one-and-a-half hour hike that includes Native American traditions pertaining to moonlight, a wine tasting, and the quintessentially American tradition of lighting things on fire for our entertainment (and warmth). Full Moon Trek & BonfireHilltop Orchards Richmond, MA, –.
Princeton Winter Carnival
skipped 2014. This town carnival also looks fun and all proceeds will benefit Playground Project at Thomas Prince School – A cool opportunity to seize the winter AND also help a nice educational project. They will have a cardboard sled race too! Princeton Winter Carnival Princeton, MA, –.
Also Fun
Best of The European Short Film Festival 2014
Heres an opportunity to see some of the best new short films from Europe, many of which are making their US premiere. Best of The European Short Film Festival 2014MIT Cambridge, MA, .
Science on Screen BIG FISH
Science on the Screen takes on Big Fish this time around. Catch the fun at Coolidge Corner! Science on Screen BIG FISHCoolidge Corner Theatre Brookline, MA, .
Intro to Contra Dancing, with Live Folk Music
Theres more going on at MIT this January besides folk/contra dancing. I just really like contra dancing. This one has a live band (which you can join, if you play!) so thats different. Intro to Contra Dancing, with Live Folk MusicMIT student center 491 Cambridge, MA, –.
The Stand Up Sit Down
Not only will you laugh at this show, you might find out a little bit about the comedians and their craft! The Stand Up Sit DownEast Meets West Bookstore Cambridge, MA, .
Israeli Folk Dancing
Contra dances are popular around town, but I dont see many opportunities to learn Israeli dances. Try it out at 9pm. Israeli Folk DancingMIT Cambridge, MA, –.
Trash Can Drumming
Banging on a Trashcan is not just for Nickelodeons Doug anymore, as a special performance / workshop for aspiring trashcan drummers comes to MIT. Trash Can DrummingMIT W20 Basement Conference Room (W20-027) Cambridge, MA, –.
Harvard Squares Winter Carnival
Harvard Squares Winter Carnival is back for its seventh year, for the next two months! Check for event details online. Harvard Squares Winter CarnivalHarvard Square Cambridge, MA, –.
Harry Potter Movie Mash
I love the Harry Potter Saga, but who hasthe time to watch all 8 hours? Well MIT will be playing all 8 movies all simultaneously at once on different screens, and you can watch whichever one has something interesting happening at that moment. Harry Potter Movie MashMIT Cambridge, MA, .
The Murder at the Science Museum Scavenger Hunt
Its not everyday that you can sign up with some friends to investigate a murder! The Science museum has come up with a intreging back-story so you can live a crime-drama life (at least for the night) for real! The Murder at the Science Museum Scavenger HuntThe Museum of Science Boston, MA, .
Mobile Marathon Reading: Arabian Nights
Once upon a time there was an IAP event in which members and friends of the MIT community took turns reading selections aloud from The Arabian Nights over the course of an entire day. Hard copies of the selections were aplenty and made available to those in attendance. They traveled far and wide to various locations on the MIT campus to simulate the different settings where the many stories of that text occur. Some trudged. Some even skipped (to my Lou, but also skipped some of the venues altogether, since everyone was welcome but not obligated to stay the whole day)! But I digress. During the first few minutes at the first venue, a wonderfully charming and eloquent professor placed the text in historical and cultural context while also debunking some myths about the stories popularlyyet incorrectlyassociated with and allegedly included in The Arabian Nights. After the brief lesson, everyone in the room clapped with delight and appreciation. Mobile Marathon Reading: Arabian NightsMIT Building 14E, Room 304 Cambridge, MA, .
Taste of East Boston
The taste of East Boston features 30 restaurants from the area, sure to satisfy any craving you have, while listening to music! Taste of East BostonHilton Boston Logan Airport Boston, MA, .
River Film Festival
This is an event for film lovers of all kinds! Movie makers and movie goers can see films made by anyone. The films will be judged, and theres a opportunity to network! River Film FestivalRiver Auditorium Quincy, MA, .
Intimate Still Life Paintings
View still life paintings of various subjects conveying deep emotional messages, on display at the Chandler Gallery. Intimate Still Life PaintingsChandler Gallery Cambridge, MA, .
Strings Theory Trio
World renowned violinist plays in her trio for a classical preformance treat. Strings Theory TrioDavid Friend Recital Hall Boston, MA, .
Colebrook Winter Carnival
Colebrooks winter carnival has a bit of an old-fashioned feel, with cribbage and bocce tournaments and boxcar racing for kids – great for folks who like to do things versus look at stuff, at these sorts of events. Colebrook Winter CarnivalColebrook Country Club & the North Country Community Recreation Center Colebrook, NH, –.
Winter Wine Spectacular
Im not a drinker, but the numbers here are astounding. Theres over 1500 wines at this 1/30 event, and dozens of gourmet foods! Pay an extra 60ish dollars to get access to the super premium stuff. If this is your thing, this is the BEST thing of that thing Ive ever seen. Winter Wine SpectacularRadisson Hotel Manchester, NH, .
Phillips Favorites: Sporty Saturday
If youre the nostalgic type and youre a local, you may find this viewing of old movies fun! Start off Super Bowl weekend with viewing of historic family films, Harvard football games and the Boston Marathon. Phillips Favorites: Sporty SaturdayPhillips House Salem, MA, .
Winter Birding Weekend
Winter seabirds galore! Flock to Cape Ann to birdwatch until your hearts content all weekend long. Winter Birding Weekend Gloucester, MA, –.
Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands Museum
The Fruitlands museum, Candy Lands healthier, slimmer, cousin, has a slope called the OMG Hill during its Winterfest festival! I mean, its not really a festival if it lasts until spring, but theyll have bonfires, sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing, every weekend. It would be a good idea to call ahead, since there may be last-minute cancellations due to the weather. Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands MuseumFruitlands Museum Harvard, MA, –.
Mass MoCA FREE Day
Mass MOCA is a museum people either love or hate. If youve never been, todays a good day to make up your mind: Admission is free. Mass MoCA FREE Day North Adams, MA, .
Winter Wonder Days at the Roger Williams Park Zoo
Nothing to do? How about the zoo? Roger Williams Park offers half price admission January through February thanks to its Winter Wonder Days promotion. Winter Wonder Days at the Roger Williams Park Zoo Providence, RI, –.
Drowned Hog Weekend
Of all the insane people jumping into the winter ocean for charity events, this one wins the prize for best sense of humor. Wet suits are allowed ONLY if the wearer also wears a tutu and a tiara. – well gosh what more could you want? Drowned Hog WeekendNantasket Beach Hull, MA, .
Above the Fold: Origami Exhibit
See oragami like never before in this display of master level sculpture and large scale folded paper art! Above the Fold: Origami ExhibitSpringfield Museums Springfield, MA, –.
Flora in Winter 2015
From January 23rd to the 26th, head to Worcester to see Flowers paired with works of art. Professional florists create various arrangements and pair them with the historical paintings in Worcesters art museum. This is like the waffles and pancakes of the visual expression world – a delightful, but unexpected combination. Flora in Winter 2015Worcester Art Museum Worcester, MA, –.
Performance
Review: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Check out our review of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, opening today! Review: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and SpikeAvenue of the Arts/BU Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Measure for Measure
This award-winning company is bringing Shakespeares classic Measure for Measure to Cambridge through February. Measure for MeasureMulticultural Arts Center Cambridge, MA, –.
Muckrakers
Activism, journalism, and hacking collide in this modern conversation about the nature of privacy. MuckrakersArsenal Center for the Arts Watertown, MA, –.
A Future Perfect
Examine the modern family experience in this tale of two couples on the cusp of change in A Future Perfect. A Future PerfectSouth End / Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA Boston, MA, –.
Kerplop! The Tale of the Frog Prince
See the tale of the Frog Prince come to life in this show for all ages opening on Saturday! Kerplop! The Tale of the Frog PrincePlaza Black Box Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts Boston, MA, –.
Breath & Imagination
See the story of a musical and cultural pioneer, Roland Hayes and experience his determination and talent. Breath & ImaginationArtsEmerson Boston, MA, –.
Chameleon Arts Ensemble
A different type of music program, put on by Chameleon Arts Ensemble presents an invigorating Chamber music program inspired by song and dance. Chameleon Arts Ensemble Boston, MA, –.
Berklee College of Musics High School Jazz Festival
Berklee College of Music hosts its High School Jazz Festival! Berklees annual event is the largest of its kind, and its free! Berklee College of Musics High School Jazz FestivalHynes Convention Center Boston, MA, .
Echoes
Close to the plot of Inception, a couple creates a world of imagination, then confused between reality, the new creation and the difference between the two. EchoesAtlantic Wharf Boston, MA, –.
Raucous Revival
Davis Square Theater presents its own variety show! Completely unique, and promised to be an entertaining and memerable one! Raucous Revival Somerville, MA, .
Mathematics Department Music Recital
How bad could it be? Math geeks sing and play. But will there be musical….numbers?? Eh? Eh?! Ill see myself out. Mathematics Department Music RecitalKillian Recital Hall Cambridge, MA, .
Captain Boycott
If youre a history buff, this ones for you. Ever wonder where the word Boycott got its start? This preformance may shed some light on the subject! Captain BoycottCyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts Boston, MA, –.
Pinocchio
This is a new interpretations on an old favorite. In this version, there is a real enphasis on the challenges in growing up, and must learn what is truly important in life. PinocchioWheelock Family Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Don Juan
This 17th Century play contains a modern terror, but you wont have to dwell on it as you enjoy this lively title character. Don JuanUniversity Theatre New Haven, CT, –.
The Best Brothers
What makes these two siblings the best? Find out in this performance of The Best Brothers in Lowell. The Best BrothersMerrimack Repertory Theatre Lowell, MA, –.
A Date With Kate: An Intimate Evening With Katharine Hepburn
After wowing audiences as Liza Minelli and Judy Garland, Peter Mac takes on the legend herself, Kate Hepburn. A Date With Kate: An Intimate Evening With Katharine HepburnOpus Salem, MA, –.
John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band
John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band entertain you with their high energy music to end the month of January on a high note! John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown BandLarcom Theatre Beverly, MA, .
NE Voices Festival Concerts
Who doesnt love a cappella? Theres not just one, but eight different choirs singing their hearts out just for you! Intense competition is sure to make for an entertaining performance! NE Voices Festival ConcertsWilmington Middle School Wilmington, MA, –.
Fleetwood Mac Show
Whoa! Its official- Fleetwood Mac is on tour! The band is back together again after 16 years! the gang is back as they launch the On With The Show Tour. Fleetwood Mac ShowDunkin Donuts Center Providence, RI, .
MobFellas at John Carver Inn Dinner Theater
Have a delicious dinner, make some friends, then figure out who killed one of the guests at your table.. at this Murder Mystery! MobFellas at John Carver Inn Dinner TheaterJohn Carver Inn & Spa Plymouth, MA, .
A Feast of Lights
Come to make music, listen, learn, dance, shop, laugh, reflect and enjoy warm company. A Feast of LightsThe Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Northampton, MA, –.
Travel
Robert Burns Celebration
A traditional Scottish dinner in honor of one of the Highlands best-loved poet laureates, Robert Burns. (Do you think theyre serving deep fried Mars bars?). Robert Burns CelebrationJ. Timothys Taverne Plainville, CT, .
Eagle Watch Boat Tours with the Connecticut River
As the bald eagle heads toward open waters, the eagle boat tour is there to take you on the journey to see them! Eagle Watch Boat Tours with the Connecticut RiverConnecticut River Museum Essex, CT, –.
Hawaiian Cultural Program
Get a little more depth of culture than hula girls in grass skirts in this genuine Hawiian Celebration. The only all-male school in Hawaii prepare to compete in the worlds largest hula festival. Hawaiian Cultural ProgramNew Haven Free Public Library New Haven, CT, .
Rise and Fall of Cultural Groups
If you coupld pick three traits that are essential to be a success, what would you choose? These Yale Professors have a theory, backed up with statistical research, and would like to share it with you. Rise and Fall of Cultural GroupsMark Twain House & Museum Visitor Center Hartford, CT, .
CrossFits Frosty Festival
Loosing will power to keep your fitness resolution? Or are you rocking it and want to show off your stuff! Crossfit will kick you into gear with a total body workout with three sessions throughout the day at the Frosty Festival. CrossFits Frosty FestivalElm City CrossFit Hamden, CT, .
Big Y Kids Fair
The Big Y Kids Fair is like a home show, or RV show, or Boat show…but for Kids. So expect to hear I want it, I want it about 5000 times if you partake in this event. But itll probably be worth it, cause theres TONS of cool stuff to do here, and prizes! Big Y Kids FairConnecticut Convention Center Hartford, CT, –.
Cheney Hall Mark Twain Lecture
What did Mark Twain do before he wrote Tom Sawyer? The Mark Twain Museum wants to clue you in with an awesome FREE lecture! Cheney Hall Mark Twain LectureCheney Hall Manchester, CT, .
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Nice Work If You Can Get It. Nice Work If You Can Get ItThe Bushnell Hartford, CT, –.
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
To cap off a special day at Maines Special Olympics, theres a parade, and various torch-light related boomers. What a great way to celebrate a great event for a great cause! Torchlight Parade and FireworksSugarloaf Ski and Golf Resort Carrabassett Valley, ME, .
Maine Winter Games – Special Olympics
The Special Olympics Winter Games are in Maine this weekend, come see some dedicated athletes give their all! Maine Winter Games - Special OlympicsSugarloaf Ski and Golf Resort Carrabassett Valley, ME, –.
Our Man in Havana by Clive Francis
Catch a lively performance of Our Man in Havana in Portland through Valentines Day! Our Man in Havana by Clive FrancisPortland Stage Company Portland, ME, –.
Camden WinterFest
Ice skating, ice sculptures, ice carvings, snowmen, hot food, and all the other winter fest fixins come to Camden, Maine 2/1. Camden WinterFestBok Amphitheather and Harbor Park Camden, ME, –.
Full Moon Hike
Saturday night is a night for a Full Moon Hike! Take a hike down a trail below a full moon! Full Moon HikeMt Abram Ski Resort Greenwood, ME, .
Guys on Ice: An Ice Fishing Musical Comedy
The manliest of musicals this season is on an ice rink in, Guys on Ice which includes jokes, playing cards and talking about women, of course. Guys on Ice: An Ice Fishing Musical ComedyThe Bangor Opera House Bangor, ME, –.
February Is For Lovers & CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA
February Is For Lovers & CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA. February Is For Lovers & CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA Kennebunkport, ME, –.
Snowshoe Adventure Hikes
Theres low intensity and high intensity snowshoe walks happening in Laconia this January, which combines frigid temperatures with…sweating. Lots of people like it though, and it could make for a cool day-trip adventure for families or folks looking to try something new. Check it out. Snowshoe Adventure Hikes Laconia, NH, –.
New England Pond Hockey Classic
New Englands Pond Hockey Classic comes to Meredith, NH. Watch a bunch of teams compete for hat tricks, pride, and glory during this outdoor sporting event. New England Pond Hockey Classic Meredith, NH, –.
Super Bowl Party
Super Bowl Party. Super Bowl PartyColebrook Country Club Colebrook, NH, .
Women On Snow Ski Camp
Learn to ski with a group of supportive and fun women! Falling will still hurt, but at least someone nice will help you up. Women On Snow Ski CampStratton Mountain Resort Mountain, VT, .
North Bennington Winterfest & Penguin Plunge
Bennington Vermonts winter fest has a Penguin Plunge which is…So cold. So…very…cold. Then again I imagine the half second between jumping and being in the water is nice, kinda like flying. The website is being a little weird, so call ahead, but the plunge is at 8am 1/31! North Bennington Winterfest & Penguin Plunge Bennington, VT, .
Northern Roots Festival 2015
Northern Roots Festival gathers music from all different backgrounds and celebrates them all under one roof! Full of activities, panels, workshops and more! Northern Roots Festival 2015New England Youth Theater Brattleboro, VT, .
North Bennington Winter Festival
This festival is jam-packed with fun and festivities! The day starts off with the Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics and ends with an Ice Carving Competition with tons for things in between! North Bennington Winter Festival North Bennington, VT, .
Waterbury Winterfest
Waterbury Winterfest now has 10 full days of wintry festivey events! Theres snowshoe demonstrations and obstacle courses, gourmet soups in homemade bowls, free ice skating, poetry slams, a wassailing contest, and more! Waterbury Winterfest Waterbury, VT, –.
Craftsbury Marathon
You can read the rules of Craftsburys Marathon in French! Oui! This is actually a SKI marathon, where skiiers ski 25k or 50k. With around a thousand entrants, this looks to be QUITE the spectacle. Craftsbury MarathonCraftsbury Outdoor Center Craftsbury, VT, .
USSA SuperTour/Dartmouth Winter Carnival
USSA SuperTour/Dartmouth Winter Carnival. USSA SuperTour/Dartmouth Winter CarnivalCraftsbury Outdoor Center Craftsbury, VT, .

Boston’s concert season is rocking this year! Some of the concerts in Boston you can get tickets to online include John Legend at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Fleetwood Mac, teen superstar Justin Bieber and even Tom Petty at Fenway Park. Boston seems to always have lots of events going on, even stuff for the kids like Disney on Ice Frozen at the Fleet Center.